It all starts with sunlight and the ultraviolet radiation it conveys. Popular and well known antioxidants are vitamins E and C — alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid, respectively. When researchers examined the singlet-oxygen-quenching capacities of a handful of hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants using a standard chemiluminescence detection system, they not only found that carotenoids in general exhibited stronger total quenching rate constants than polyphenols, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, CoQ10 and alpha-lipoic acid, but that astaxanthin, in particular, possessed the strongest overall activity.

pluvialis — scientists were keen to determine just how ably it quenches photogenerated free radicals in human skin. This was an early milestone that led to further cellular studies, showing that astaxanthin attenuates UVA-induced upregulation of MMP-1 and skin fibroblast elastase SFE , an enzyme that breaks down the structural protein elastin.

Research also revealed that astaxanthin inhibits the overproduction of melanin in melanoma cells, cutting off carcinogenesis at a critical step in its progress. And, in another study performed in human dermal fibroblasts, astaxanthin exhibited a pronounced photoprotective effect and counteracted all UVA-induced alterations.

This is in contrast to ß-carotene, which only partially prevented several UVA-induced reactions and increased membrane damage while also stimulating expression of heme oxygenase 1 HO-1 , an enzyme that catalyses the degradation of heme, an iron-containing compound found in haemoglobin and other biological compounds.

Researchers first found that light-assaulted mice did in fact exhibit a higher level of the polyamine putrescine, but that oral supplementation with astaxanthin inhibited putrescine accumulation better than supplementation with retinol, and decreased levels of two additional polyamines, spermidine and spermine, as well.

Thus, it was encouraging that when wrinkle formation was examined in astaxanthin-treated mice, researchers observed less irreversible wrinkling than in control mice.

In the first, a pilot trial, scientists found an association between repeated topical application of an astaxanthin-containing cream and a significant increase in moisture levels and visual wrinkle reduction after 4 weeks of use. Following that, a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 16 healthy, middle-aged Japanese women aimed to evaluate the cosmeceutical benefits of a dietary supplement containing 2mg of astaxanthin and 40mg of tocotrienol from palm oil.

After 2 weeks of daily dosing with the combination supplement, subjects in the treatment group self-reported improvements in spots and freckles, whereas dermatologic inspection revealed improvements in dark eye circles compared with those in the placebo cohort.

It can neutralize the free radicals and thus protects the skin from oxidative damage and inflammation. It protects skin by preventing collagen and elastin breakdown and hence, delays the ageing process. It also protects skin cells from UV rays, so, it is like an oral sunscreen that prevents damages caused by sun exposure.

Studies have also proven that astaxanthin increases blood flow, which results in better circulation leading to increased cell turnover and reduced pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Astaxanthin is actually derived from micro-algae and astaxanthin is the one which is responsible for its red and pink color.

Seafood like salmon, shrimps, and lobsters are the ones that are rich in astaxanthin as they feed on this micro-algae. Except for these seafood sources, astaxanthin can be consumed from red fruits and vegetables like guava and red bell peppers.

Apart from the food sources astaxanthin can be taken as a supplement and it is advisable to consume supplements after consulting a dermatologist under their supervision. Astaxanthin is more beneficial if consumed in the form of a supplement rather than a topical application, as this ingredient is absorbed at the cellular level in the body.

According to various studies, Astaxanthin has proven to be loaded with skin and health benefits. This powerhouse ingredient has characteristics, which fight free radical damage.

It is also believed to increase brain and eye function, lower blood pressure, and combat fatigue. Furthermore, apart from health benefits, the antioxidant powerhouse is also suitable for all skin types as it aids in getting a healthier-looking complexion with regular use.

Regular usage of Astaxanthin yields multiple benefits, and the advantages are expansive. Some of the key benefits of using Astaxanthin based skincare products are as follows:. Jumpstart skin health by detoxifying and rebuilding with this probiotic enzyme peel powerhouse containing fermented fruit enzymes from Pomegranate, Pumpkin, Pineapple, Papaya, Figs, and Astaxanthin.

This mask treats and prevents acne and brightens post-blemish marks. Refine and Revive your eye area with this ultra-rich, intensive eye serum containing Astaxanthin for wrinkles, dark circles, bags, puffiness, anti-aging.

Five Peptides—including Argireline, a peptide that has several different wrinkle-fighting and anti-aging benefits. Best Sellers. Explore About Us Our Story Clean Beauty Certifications Santa Monica Skincare Studio How To Guides In The Press.

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Reduce sebum production Skincare - topical preparations to balance sebum production can help reduce the occurrence of breakouts.

Skincare ingredients to consider include: RETINOIDS - retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A. These help to balance sebum production and are powerful antioxidants. They can help reduce inflammation in the skin also and may help reduce the risk of acne scar development. AHAs Alpha-Hydroxy Acids - AHAs including glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid can help to balance sebum production in the skin and treat acne.

BHA Beta-Hydroxy acid - also known as Salicylic acid helps to exfoliate the skin and reduce sebum production. Reduce inflammation in the skin Inflammation is a key cause of longer term acne scarring, so managing this in the short term is important to prevent this relatively common side effect of hormonal acne.

Topical skincare ingredients such as Azelaic acid and Vitamin B5 panthenol can significantly reduce inflammation in the skin, so are good to use as part of an overall approach to acne. My Good Night cream contains both a topical retinoid and also azelaic acid and vitamin B5 to help reduce acne and inflammation.

Balance gut inflammation: the gut microbiome in acne There is increasing evidence to support the role of the gut microbiome in inflammatory skin conditions, including hormonal acne via an interaction known as the gut-brain-skin axis.

Looking after the health of your gut microbiome may help those who are undergoing treatment of hormonal acne and may actually help reduce the severity of cases. Diet would usually be considered the first line for this, with low -glycemic index foods, plant-based diet and probiotics being thought to be beneficial.

Balancing hormones in acne Whilst it is difficult to control hormone levels, certain supplements may actually help to balance their effects - and reduce inflammation in the skin. Antioxidants and ingredients with low-glycemic and anti-inflammatory properties may again be helpful with this. What Helps Acne Scars?

These broadly fall under the following categories: Atrophic scars: these are depressed, indented type scars that sit below the surrounding skin.

They vary in depth from shallow to deep and more shallow scars tend to respond better to treatments such as laser resurfacing. They are usually round or oval and appear like little holes.

They are more difficult to treat than the other types of scar due to their depth. Rolling Scars - rolling acne scars are similar to boxcar scars except they have a more rolling rather than sharp edge.

They tend to be wide depressions and have an irregular appearance. Hypertrophic scars: these are raised scars that project out of the surrounding skin, due to excessive collagen production and appear like bumps on the surface of the skin.

What are the best treatments for acne scars? Depending on the type of acne scar, treatments include: Skin peels - these work by resurfacing the skin in the area of the acne scar, which in turn improves the surface texture and, depending on the ingredients in the peel, can improve areas of hyperpigmentation.

Examples of ingredients that are used for acne scar peels include: Salicylic acid Lactic acid Retinoids TCA Daily sunscreen use - as with any skin issue, daily sunscreen can decrease inflammation in the skin, improve collagen levels and reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation over time. With acne scarred skin, sunscreen is essential to reduce the risk of deepening of hypertrophic scars and to reduce post inflammatory hyperpigmentation PIH associated with acne scars.

Fractional skin resurfacing - fractional resurfacing involves creation of tiny injuries on the surface of the skin to promote the maturation and softening of scar tissue in acne scars and improvement in the surface texture of the skin.

Example treatments include microneedling, Morpheus8 and carbon dioxide laser. Subcision and filler - subcision is a process where the blade of a needle is inserted into the scar used to cut through deep scar tissue in atrophic acne scars, causing it to release from the underlying tissues it is adherent to.

This then creates a space where dermal filler can be injected underneath the scar to make the scar more shallow. Steroid injections - hypertrophic acne scars are characterised by excessive scar collagen production.

Steroid injections can help to soften these scars and reduce the appearance of hypertrophic acne scars. What Supplements Are Good For Acne?

The best supplements for acne may include: Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients: these help to neutralise free radical activity in the skin and reduce inflammation.

Synthetic and natural sources of vitamins would be included in this list, including: Vitamin A - not only does topical retinol a form of vitamin A form the mainstay of treatment for acne, oral retinoids may also help those who have moderate acne - you may have heard of the use of retinoic acid isotretinoin in acne as a prescription treatment, given orally, but other forms of vitamin A, such as retinyl palmitate can be found in over the counter forms.

Vitamin E has potent anti-inflammatory properties, and vitamin D is essential in supporting the immune system. There is some evidence that taking probiotics may help in those suffering from acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.

These in turn are thought to be useful in supplements for acne. Hormone balancing adaptogens in acne: the use of adaptogens is a field of interest for many. These are plant based ingredients often with roots in ayurvedic medicine that are thought to help balance hormone levels and in turn may be of benefit to those suffering from hormonal acne.

These include ingredients such as ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea and astragalus. Beauty Advice. When winter arrives, it brings a unique set of challenges for our skin. The c Explore the benefits of snail mucin in skincare with Dr. In the ever-evolving world of aesthetic medicine, non-surgical body contourin Vertical lip lines are a particular bugbear for many of my patients.

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Ultimate Starter Skin Care Set. Ultimate DIY Home Facial Kit. Valentine's Day Gifts. AT A GLANCE WHAT IT IS Astaxanthin is the pigment which helps protect your skin from damage, wrinkles, and other signs of aging as it's a potent carotenoid. Astaxanthin contains significantly more antioxidants than its superfood counterparts; thus, regularly using it helps improve skin texture and elasticity while reducing age spots and pigmentation.

What's more, it is proven to be 6, times more powerful than the well-cherished ingredient Vitamin C. The benefits of Astaxanthin include protection against UV rays, fading out hyperpigmentation, fighting free radicals, and more.

Less Pigmentation and More Luminosity Pronounced asta-zan-thin, Astaxanthin falls under the category of antioxidants. Astaxanthin - 6, Times Stronger Than Vitamin C Called as the "King of Carotenoids," studies have shown that the antioxidant ability of astaxanthin is much more powerful than Vitamin C.

Astaxanthin Benefits for Skin Regular usage of Astaxanthin yields multiple benefits, and the advantages are expansive. Some of the key benefits of using Astaxanthin based skincare products are as follows: Protection against UV rays: Astaxanthin has a natural ability for protecting your skin against damages caused by UV exposure.

Keeps wrinkles at bay: Owing to its ability to neutralize free radical damage, Astaxanthin calms inflammation and improve the appearance of your skin, while keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Fades out hyperpigmentation: Astaxanthin is also shown to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun damage, and melasma.

Thus, your skin will be radiant and luminous when Astaxanthin is used regularly as a part of your skincare regime. Ideal for sensitive skin: Owing to its calming, anti-inflammatory properties, Astaxanthin has also been said to aid in skin redness, sensitivity, and inflammation.